Although his name may not be instantly familiar, the comedy work of Tom Leopold is legendary. From writing episodes of Seinfeld, Cheers, and Will and Grace, to working with such comedic legends as Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, Billy Crystal, and Chevy Chase, Leopold has been at the epicenter of comedy for nearly 40 years. Now the New Milford resident is lending his talents to Ability Beyond by serving as the auctioneer for the nonprofit organization's annual charity gala.

"Everyone is in for what will surely be a funny and unforgettable evening," said Jane Davis, President and CEO of Ability Beyond. "We are so lucky to have a celebrity of Tom's stature share his incredible sense of humor at our biggest event. He immediately agreed when I asked if he would consider serving as emcee and auctioneer."

"An Evening in the Garden" takes place on Saturday April 29, 2017 at the Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury, Connecticut. The annual gala is Ability Beyond's largest fundraising event. The money raised will allow Ability Beyond to continue to provide critical supports to more than 3,000 people with disabilities across New York and Connecticut.

Leopold's career as a comedy writer has moved beyond television in recent years. He has been in front of the microphone as co-host with Father Leo of "Entertaining Truth" on the Catholic Channel of Sirius XM after converting from Judaism to Catholicism. He is a sought after speaker for his hilariously heartfelt and poignant performance lecture, "A Comedy Writer Finds God: My Journey to Faith, One Laugh at a Time," in which he tells the story of his crisis of no faith as his daughter battled anorexia, to his discovery of and conversion to the Catholic faith.

In addition to Leopold presiding over the live auction, the black-tie evening will feature a silent auction, raffles, dinner and awards and dancing. Musical entertainment will be provided by Nik and the Nice Guys.

The gala will be held at the Amber Room located at 1 Stacey Rd from 6:30 pm - 11:00 pm. For ticket information, please contact Meaghan Gilmore at (203)826-3019.

Through innovative community job training and placement, supported living, and recreational and educational opportunities, Ability Beyond helps thousands of people with disabilities each year, to live full and rewarding lives. Ability Beyond has headquarter facilities in Bethel, CT and Chappaqua, NY. Its network of over 100 community based residential programs spreads throughout western CT and the Hudson Valley region. Other satellite locations providing day and employment services are located in Norwalk, Guilford and Plainville, CT.

Ability Beyond is a 501{c} (3) organization headquartered in Bethel, Conn. and Mount Kisco, N.Y. It provides a wide range of services for over 3,000 people with a disability that inhibits their activities of daily living -- including numerous residential alternatives, employment training, career counseling, job placement services, cognitive and life skills instruction, clinical and therapeutic support, and volunteer and recreational activities. Today, its services extend far beyond the Danbury community into much of Connecticut and the Hudson Valley, New York. For more information about Ability Beyond go to www.abilitybeyond.org.

PHOTO: Veteran comedy writer and entertainer Tom Leopold will serve as the emcee and auctioneer at "An Evening in the Garden" gala in support of the nonprofit Ability Beyond. Leopold has worked with legendary comedians and written for shows such as Seinfeld, Cheers, and Will and Grace.

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